His Holiness Bartolomeu Anania will be buried on Thursday

His Holiness Bartolomeu Anania, the Archbishop of Vadul, Feleacul and Cluj and the Metropolitan of Cluj, Alba, Crişana and Maramureş, will be buried in the Crypt of the Bishops, under the Altar of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cluj-Napoca on Thursday.

According to the Press Office of the Archiepiscopate, the Holy Liturgy will be officiated in the Cathedral at 9 am, followed at 12 by the funeral services, held by a synod of bishops, headed by His Holiness Priest Daniel, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

At the end of the funeral the coffin will surround the Cathedral, and then will be buried in the Crypt of Bishops.

At the same time, until Thursday inclusive, all the parochial and monastery churches will ring bells for three minutes, between 8 and 12.

Also on Sunday, February 6, the priests of Archiepiscopate Cluj will hold the requiem, and in the sermon they will present the life and work of the Archbishop and Metropolitan Priest, Bartolomeu.

Thousands of Christians from Cluj, but also from neighbouring counties are expected to attend the ceremonial and because of these numerous presences, the traffic will be restricted in the central area.

President Traian Băsescu arrived at Cluj on Wednesday night in order to pay his respects to His Holiness Bartolomeu Anania, the Archbishop of Vadul, Feleacul and Cluj and the Metropolitan of Cluj, Alba, Crişana and Maramureş.

Safety measures for the funeral

The county police stated that in order for this event to take place in the best conditions of discipline and public safety, the police inspectorate of Cluj County will take additional measures, by gearing 90 public safety officers and traffic policemen.

On Thursday, starting 10 am, officers will have the mission to keep in order the public safety, the car traffic not being restricted unless a large number of people will assist at the burial.

The authorities sent a message to the drivers to avoid the traffic in the central area, especially during the hours between 11 am and 15 pm.

In case of restriction measures establishment for car traffic in Avram Iancu Square, they will be applied as follows: both on the side of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology and on the side of the Military Circle, the car traffic on the fourth lane and parking will be forbidden, and, if necessary, the road access will be completely stopped in the perimeter of the Cathedral.

The police inspectorate of Cluj County advises everyone who will assist at the ceremony to follow officers’ instructions regarding the car access in the area, in order to prevent traffic jams or any other unpleasant situations.

Translated by: Lidia Enăsoiu
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University